David Hughes, London Underground's director of strategy, said: "I'm sorry for the disruption that the lift work will cause our customers, but the new lifts will be more reliable with fewer delays when the work is complete.

"Closing the station is the quickest and most efficient way to replace the lifts – the decision has not been taken lightly and we will work hard to complete this vital upgrade as quickly as possible, keeping customers and local businesses up to date as the work progresses."